Memorial
John Lamb left this life on April 27, 2026. He is at PEACE and free from the challenges of Subcortical Vascular Dementia. Visitation will be held at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home (4200 First Avenue NE in Cedar Rapids) on Tuesday, May 5, 2026, from 4-7 p.m., to honor John’s life and legacy. Please, come prepared to share stories and some laughs, too.
John was born on February 2, 1942, to Barbara Book Lamb and Laddie Bud Lamb, at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. John lived his entire life in Cedar Rapids, graduating from Washington High School in 1960, where he participated in Track and Football. John attended Iowa State University and enjoyed being a member of Tau Kappa Epsilon fraternity.
In April of 1966, John met Kathy Haltom in a bar on First Avenue West in Cedar Rapids. Their connection was immediate, and they were married on February 4, 1967.
John was always a hard worker, with a strong work ethic, beginning to work in his early teens for New Process Laundry & Dry Cleaners, washing trucks and helping in the plant. During those years, he also worked for his dad at Lamb Welding Supply. In the mid-1960’s, John came back to New Process to work in all aspects of the business. He developed a close relationship with the owner, Bill Corey, and purchased the company when Bill retired in 1971.
In 1988, John started his 29-year career as a Realtor for Skogman Realty, helping his customers to both sell and purchase properties and taking pride in helping customers to learn how to feel comfortable in the process, especially first-time buyers.
John held several leadership positions within his community: Cedar Rapids Jaycees, Chamber of Commerce, Leadership for Five Seasons, Iowa Fabricare Association, Indian Creek Nature Center, and Cedar Rapids Board of Realtors.
John was a member of the Iowa National Guard from 1963-1969, with honorable discharge at the rank of Staff Sargent.
While John always enjoyed his professional life, he most enjoyed time with his family and loved building family traditions and vacations, especially in Door County, Wisconsin, his “happy place”. He treasured the priceless vacations and hysterical “themed parties” with dear friends (they know who they are); and his Monday Morning Friends at McDonald’s.
Even though John attended Iowa State, he was a true Hawkeye fan, enjoying tailgating before football games; attending basketball games in the old and new arenas; and going to the Final Four in Indianapolis in 1980.
In his free time, John enjoyed creating stained glass items for family members and friends, refinishing antiques, and going to the Chicago Car Show every February for many years. And, until recently, John loved “walking the track” at the Helen G. Nassif YMCA and enjoying an Amber Bock with his dinner.
Survivors include: John’s wife, Kathy Lamb; Daughters – Chris (Randy) Johnson; Katy (Jaye) Heater; Molly (Stan) Lamb-Hughes; Grandchildren – Drew (Hannah) Johnson; Ally Jonnson (fiancé Paul Keyes); Alijah Worthy; Dylan & Haley Heater; and Granddogs – Augie & Louie; Nieces & Nephew – Holly & Wendy, and Peter.
Preceding John in death: his parents, Barbara Book Lamb & Laddie Bud Lamb; sisters, Patricia Kohler & Sharon Roderique.
Special thanks to the kind and caring staff at Pinicon Senior Living – Memory Care Unit in Anamosa, Iowa; and to Unity Point Hospice in Cedar Rapids, Iowa for their vigilant care of John.
Memorial gifts can be given to Unity Point Hospice in Cedar Rapids, or to another non-profit organization which enhances quality of life.